Indonesia's Top 11 Beaches

With a vibrant tropical climate and an extensive coastline that rivals only Canada, Indonesia is the ultimate paradise for beach lovers. The shores of this vast archipelago are known for their black and golden sands, impressive surf spots, stunning coral reefs, and lively beach parties. There truly is a perfect stretch of sand for every kind of traveler here.

Selecting the ideal beach can be challenging in a nation boasting over 17,500 islands. Here’s our curated list of the best beaches in Indonesia, stretching from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east.

1. Pantai Jelenga, Sumbawa

Top Beach for Surfers

Indonesia is rich in surf beaches, but this up-and-coming spot on the west coast of Sumbawa is gaining traction among surfers. They flock here for the chance to conquer Scar Reef, a world-class left-hand break just offshore, along with thrilling rides at the Little Bingin and Phantom breaks.

Several charming surf lodges in this remote area provide a comfortable stay, and you’ll often find yourself sharing the waves with only a few others—quite a contrast to many other Indonesian surf spots. The calm waters near Pantai Jelenga are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

2. Suluban Beach, Bali

Top Beach for Merging Nature and Culture

Among the small beaches along Bali's Bukit Peninsula, Suluban stands out as particularly unique. You can paddle to the renowned surf breaks of Uluwatu and discover stunning limestone grottos, hidden caves, and clifftop cafes for sunset drinks. Additionally, Suluban is close to Pura Luhur Ulu Watu, a striking Hindu sea temple perched on a 70m (230ft) cliff, where captivating Kecak dance performances occur each evening at sunset.

3. Pink Beach, Komodo

Ultimate Beach for Instagrammers

While Komodo is renowned for being home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, this small island also features a remarkable pink-sand beach. Pantai Merah, or Pink Beach, owes its unique hue to the crushed shells of countless foraminifera—tiny single-celled marine creatures that inhabit the undersides of nearby reefs.

While the beach may not appear as dazzling under the midday sun as social media would suggest (thanks to filters and Photoshop!), it truly shines during sunrise or sunset, just as the Instagrammers claim.

4. Selong Blanak, Lombok

Ideal Beach for Beginner Surfers

Amidst a landscape of bustling, white-sand beaches, Selong Blanak distinguishes itself with its vibrant turquoise waters and tranquil vibe. Situated approximately 22km west of Kuta, Lombok’s southern resort center, this relatively peaceful beach is a beloved spot for locals, featuring a few bamboo-framed warungs (small family-owned eateries) along its sweeping crescent of sand, often shared with wandering water buffalo. The waters are perfect for swimming, and novice surfers flock here to rent boards and hone their skills on the gentle sandy-bottom beach break.

5. Bawana Beach, Sumba

Ultimate Beach for Photography

A magnificent stone arch rises majestically over the pristine sands of this beautiful coastline in northwestern Sumba, providing an ideal backdrop for breathtaking beach photos. While the descent to the beach is steep, local guides are often available at the entrance to assist those in need. During certain seasons, you can witness the sunset aligning perfectly within the arch, creating a stunning halo effect for those standing at its entrance.

6. Iboih Beach, Sumatra

Top Beach for Snorkeling

In Indonesia, reefs are plentiful, and this sheltered cove on Pulau Weh in Sumatra's Aceh province is teeming with vibrant corals that draw a stunning variety of tropical fish. It's a popular retreat for budget-friendly snorkelers, who can easily explore the reefs just steps from their beachside bungalows. Local dive shops like Rubiah Tirta Divers offer affordable Discover Scuba courses and shore dives.

Beyond the sandy shores, Pulau Weh features swimming holes beneath cascading waterfalls, hissing volcanoes wrapped in untouched forests, sulfurous hot springs, and an old Japanese World War II bunker, a remnant of the island's brief occupation from 1942 to 1945.

7. Gili T, The Gili Islands

Top Beach for Partying

For those who envision their beach day ending in celebration, Gili Trawangan – affectionately known as Gili T – is the perfect destination. The nightlife on this largest of the Gili Islands is far more relaxed than the wild scenes in Kuta or Seminyak on Bali, and that’s exactly what makes it appealing! This small island pulses with electronic dance music every night, with drinks flowing from sunset beaches on the west to the vibrant main strip on the east. Party, rest, return to the shore to cool off, hydrate, refuel, and do it all over again: that's the rhythm of life on Gili T.

8. Pantai Ngurtavur, Maluku

Best Beach for Aerial Photography

Imagine a slender ribbon of sand stretching into a jewel-toned bay, and you'll start to grasp the stunning beauty of Pantai Ngurtavur, Indonesia's longest sandbar. This transient, snake-like beach emerges only during low tide and is situated in the secluded Kei Islands in the Banda Sea, just south of Papua. The best way to reach it is by chartering a boat from Pulau Kei Kecil. To fully capture the sandbar’s remarkable charm, consider bringing your drone along.

9. Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Ultimate Beach for Seclusion

The island of Nusa Penida boasts stunning beaches that rival those found in neighboring Bali, yet remain hidden gems. Leading the charge is Diamond Beach on the southeast coast, framed by towering cliffs that create a secluded cove for those willing to navigate the journey. Access to this remote stretch of sand was established only after a rugged staircase was painstakingly carved into the rock in 2018.

10. Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Sumatra

Best beach for adventurers

If you enjoy your beaches with a twist of bouldering, Tanjung Tinggi is surrounded by a maze of massive granite rocks, transforming it into a playground for the adventurous who also crave sun and sand. This beach gained national attention after being featured in the acclaimed film Laskar Pelangi in 2017. Despite its fame, Tanjung Tinggi remains relatively untouched by international tourists, due to its remote location on Belitung Island off the eastern coast of Sumatra. You can reach it by plane or a leisurely boat ride from Jakarta or Sumatra.

11. Tangkoko Beach, Sulawesi

Best beach for wildlife enthusiasts

For those whose perfect beach getaway includes hiking and observing wildlife, followed by a refreshing swim in the ocean to cool off, Tangkoko in North Sulawesi is the ideal destination. This beautiful grey-sand beach is situated along the Tangkoko-Batuangus Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, an 88 sq km (34 sq mi) rainforest conservation area teeming with unique wildlife, including crested black macaques, cuscuses, red-knobbed hornbills, and the captivating big-eyed tarsiers, among other rare rainforest species.